- 19–22 April 2027
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center
IEEE PES Grid Edge Tutorials offer focused, expert-led learning on the technologies, challenges, and solutions shaping the future of the electric grid.
Led by industry experts, these in-depth sessions provide practical insights and technical knowledge you can apply to your work while exploring key topics driving grid transformation.
Full event or single-day registration is required to participate. Tutorials can be added to your IEEE PES Grid Edge registration.
Grid Edge Tutorials are designed for professionals working across the evolving energy landscape, including:
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
David Bakken, Washington State University
Prerequisites:
Some basic experience with programming will help, but is not strictly necessary.
Abstract:
Computer networks get data from Point A to (multi-)Point B with some statistical properties: delay, drop rate, error rate, etc. Distributed computing ( DC), then, is one or more layers above the network layers (OSI 1-4). It involves cooperating processes running on a network and communicating only by messages (e.g., no shared memory), in the face of different kinds of failures and other threats to resilience.
As grids get more decentralized (due mainly to renewables) distributed computing becomes much more crucial to power grids, though, sadly, the power sector remains almost completely ignorant of the many theoretical and applied lessons and technologies developed in the DC area in the last half century, despite it (and its “middleware”) being used in virtually every other industry as best practices since the late 1980s. Distributed computing at its essence answers the following questions:
In part this means this: how do we help programmers program it a lot easier (really with a lot less difficulty: it’s still hard)?
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor(s):
Doug Houseman, SC-21
Prerequisites:
None
Abstract:
FERC Order 2222 is right around the corner for most ISO/RTO areas. There teams working at the ISOs and RTOs to create the processes and requirements to allow DER to bid into the wholesale markets. Third party aggregators have a set of requirements they must meet that are slightly different from market area to market area.
Utilities also have requirements that they must comply with, again with variation by market area. For utilities, these are not “just opt out” but rather they must comply. Even distribution utilities that mean the criteria.
The course will walk through the Federal requirements, timelines by ISO, variation by ISO to set the baseline. Then will look at steps and processes, as well as how to make it easier to comply. The tutorial will walk through software timelines, useful tools, key checklists for both utilities and aggregators.
The intension is to be highly interactive.
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor(s):
Richard Fioravanti, MPR Associates
Ray Byrne, Sandia National Labs
Tu Nguyen, Sandia National Labs
Michael Ropp, Sandia National Labs
Waylon Clark, Sandia National Labs
Curtis Ashton, American Power Systems
Prerequisites:
None
Abstract:
As electricity markets continue to evolve and respond to challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape, electricity storage maintains the ability to leverage its unique performance characteristics to meet these challenges. Technologies, such as lithium-ion based storage systems established itself by first responding to the needs grid operations and coupling with renewables to assist in their integration to the grid. However, in the U.S., even with decarbonization and electric vehicles becoming less of an immediate focus, storage performance characteristics have once again filled a unique niche in by responding to AI Data Center needs to support the integration of these large, volatile loads on the grid.
“Energy Storage” continues to not only leverage its unique performance characteristics, but the technology group is also evolving in its specific technologies that make up the family of energy storage systems. Long duration energy storage technologies continue to be developed and the intense power needs from data center applications are pushing storage system to operate at higher voltage levels than in the past, opening areas of additional investigation needs and understanding of the technology capabilities. The tutorial will help attendees understand all aspects for short and long duration storage in a session that covers:
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Instructor(s):
Sunny Verma, ComEd
Prerequisites:
None
Abstract:
As the electric power industry continues to evolve, utilities, customers, and stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on both grid resilience and customer resilience. Extreme weather events, increasing electrification, distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage systems, and changing customer expectations are driving the need for new approaches to maintaining reliable and resilient electric service.
This tutorial provides an overview of the principles, technologies, and operational considerations that support grid and customer resilience in modern power systems. Participants will explore how utilities and communities can leverage distribution automation, microgrids, energy storage, DERs, advanced monitoring systems, and resilient grid planning practices to reduce outage impacts and improve recovery capabilities.
The session will examine the relationship between reliability and resilience, discuss emerging industry trends, and review publicly available frameworks, standards, and best practices that support resilient energy infrastructure. Special attention will be given to the role of grid-edge technologies in enhancing system flexibility while improving outcomes for customers, critical facilities, and local communities.
Designed for utility professionals, engineers, researchers, consultants, regulators, and technology providers, this tutorial will provide practical insights into building a more resilient electric grid while addressing the evolving needs of customers in an increasingly dynamic energy landscape.
Learning Objectives:
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Zhaoyu Wang, Iowa State University
Salish Maharjan, Iowa State University
Min Lwin, INS Engineering
Tamojit Chakraborty, INS Engineering
Prerequisites:
Knowledge of power electronics, induction motors, and phasor-domain modeling.
Abstract:
This tutorial presents a comprehensive framework for developing generic, scalable Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) models of large data center loads. Driven by the explosive growth of AI-powered data centers, utilities face significant stability challenges including subsynchronous oscillations, harmonic resonance, and rapid power swings. Traditional phasor-domain models (WECC and PERC1) are inadequate for capturing these high-frequency dynamics, prompting regulatory mandates such as ERCOT’s 2026 EMT validation requirement.
Participants will explore three common data center architectures (Simple, Centralized UPS, and Distributed UPS) and learn to build detailed EMT models in PSCAD/EMTDC. Key modules cover cooling system modeling using WECC composite load parameters mapped to double-cage induction motors and VFD-driven CRAH units, advanced UPS modeling with multiple operating modes (Eco, Double Conversion, Battery), grid reconnection logic, and high-resolution server load profiles. Crucially, the tutorial introduces frequency scan methodologies within the EMT environment to extract frequency-dependent impedance matrices (Z_dq or Z_pn).
Attendees will learn to apply impedance-based stability criteria to detect negative resistance characteristics and mitigate SSCI risks in weak networks. Through hands-on exercises and validation against real-world case studies (100 MW and 1 GW systems), attendees will gain practical skills to perform accurate stability assessments, supporting safe and rapid interconnection of data center loads.
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Doug Houseman, SC-21
Prerequisites:
None
Abstract:
In the 1980s Florida Power and Light built the largest ever residential VPP with their “On-Call” system. In the 1990s Electricity de France (EdF) Trading built the largest VPP in Europe. This session will look at the program goals, methods, tools, costing, marketing and other aspects of the programs.
FP&L program is still operational 40 years later, and still retaining over 99.7% of enrolled customers. EdF’s program is still growing in Europe, now encompassing almost 15 GW of VPP capability. The tutorial will look at what worked, what lessons can be learned from these two successful programs and what might be useful to your VPP.
The tutorial will also contrast aggregation efforts in PJM by independent aggregators and what did not work in those aggregation programs. This will be done in context of FERC Order 2222 and similar programs around the world.
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Richard Kirby, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Hemanth Kumar Vemprala, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Tanushri Doshi, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Clifford Galli, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Phil Stoaks, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Drew Cannon, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
Prerequisites:
A basic background in three phase electric power systems to understand the terms generation, transmission, distribution, load, power flow and energy transfer.
Abstract:
This tutorial presents the transition from conventional synchrophasor measurement to synchro-waveform measurement. It introduces continuous waveform streaming and recording and explains how time-synchronized waveform data provides visibility into power system behavior beyond traditional phasor measurements. The tutorial describes the key capabilities of synchro-waveform measurement, including waveform streaming at 14.4 ksps and at 1 Msps, enabling more in-depth power quality analysis of power systems.
The tutorial also demonstrates how time-domain, sampled waveform data supports applications such as odd order harmonic measurement, event detection, and performance monitoring in systems with rapidly varying computational loads, including large AI data center facilities. The tutorial presents practical examples illustrating the use of a waveform measurement unit and a recording system to capture and store synchro-waveform data. From this data, software-derived phasor quantities, odd-order harmonics, and conventional 200 ms time-averaged measurements are calculated in real time.
Case studies show how detailed waveform visibility enables observation of oscillatory behavior and active power ramp rates associated with AI training and inference workloads, supporting assessment of their potential impacts on grid reliability and customer service continuity. Observation of oscillations and active power ramp rates under training and inference conditions are also presented in the tutorial, as well as methods for generating event notifications and event records for abnormal system conditions. Through these examples, attendees will gain an understanding of how synchro-waveform technology can complement traditional monitoring approaches and strengthen both grid resilience and customer resilience in increasingly dynamic electric power systems.
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Bradley R. Williams, P.E., Lead Instructor
Tom Eyford, Oracle
Michael Oshetski, Founder & CTO of Micatu
Prerequisites:
Understanding of Power Systems Analysis, Real-time Grid Operations and Control Systems.
Abstract:
Active Edge Network Management (AENM) is a comprehensive centrally managed, distributed intelligence approach to power grid optimization. AENM enables grid operators greater levels of monitoring and control and solve many of these challenges that DERs, extreme weather, and other grid asset risks present. Managed grid-edge AI signal prognostics enables very fast risk detection combined with its unique active very-fast, If-This-Then-That (IFTTT), network management disturbance mitigation response directly at the grid edge.
AENM also provides greater situational awareness. What makes this really work for utility grid operators and engineers is maintaining the control room’s overarching authority to these distributed autonomous grid-edge controls. This Tutorial will provide attendees and overview of what AENM is, how it works, how its implemented, operated, maintained and continuously improved upon.
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Heidemarie Caswell, Oregon Public Utility Commission
Tyler Jones, Reliciti
Joshua Jones, Pacificorp
Chase Talbot, Pacificorp
Daniel Donaldson, University of Birmingham
Prerequisites:
Basic electricity distribution system understanding.
Abstract:
As distributed energy resources and increasing exposure to extreme events transform electricity distribution systems, utilities, customers, regulators, and researchers must work together to quantify and improve resilience. Building upon the foundations established through the IEEE PES Distribution Reliability and Resiliency Working Groups, this tutorial presents practical methods to quantify and enhance resilience at the grid edge. Through presentations and interactive discussion, participants will explore how resilience metrics can be used to evaluate customer experience, support investment decisions, and improve distribution system performance.
Real-world data from distribution networks in the United States and United Kingdom will be used to demonstrate methodologies and provide attendees with tools that can be adapted to their own regions and systems.
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Jaime Kolln, PNNL
Alexandre Nassif, PNNL
Farrokh Rahimi, OATI
Yashar Kenarangui, Xcel Energy
Ben Ealey, EPRI
Prerequisites:
Distribution systems and DER integration.
Abstract:
Grid Architecture tutorial explores how objective based planning and interoperability requirements provide a cost-effective path to integrating grid edge assets. We will discuss these concepts with examples of interconnection standards, semantic interoperability and coordination architecture that applies across stakeholders and jurisdictions. With a focus on modern forms of resource aggregation and evolving market constructs, this tutorial will review the architecture features and qualities that enable scalable, portable and adaptable coordination to ensure grid reliability and rate affordability.
By the end of this tutorial, participants will understand how interoperability and grid architecture principles are applied to decompose complex systems into smaller subproblems and interfaces. The outcome of the described process leads to effective planning, enhanced coordination, and better utilization of grid edge resources, ensuring reliability and adaptability in modern utility environments.
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Dr. Harsh Karandikar, ABB
Dr. Lukas Czesky, ABB
Shantam Chavan, ABB
Santosh Mokkapaty, ABB
Prerequisites:
Basic understanding of power systems and protection and control technologies.
Abstract:
Power providers are facing two unprecedented challenges. One, huge increases in power demand driven by the increasing scale and speed of data center construction and two, greatly increased complexity of the system operation with the extensive integration of DERs. In the last decade, there have been many technological advances in the equipment used within the distribution system.
The one underlying theme of these advances has been the use of digital technologies, in both standalone devices and embedded into native digital primary equipment (NDPE), to speed up system installation and to reliably control the bidirectional flow of power. In this tutorial we will cover technologies that make digital substations possible. We will start at the extreme edge with the use of current and voltage sensors for measurement.
We will then cover how these measurements are digitized and then used in highly flexible and configurable protection and control schemes based on IEC61850. At the other end, we look into a native digital primary equipment with integrated current voltage M&D capability as a complete functional unit and its potential effects on MTTF and MTTR due to convergence in number of layers within a substation. While conventional architecture would still be based on distributed protection and control, we will then transition to the concept of centralized protection and control (CPC) and then CPC with NDPE, standardized hardware, configurable and made versatile by flexible software. In each case we will discuss how these technologies contribute to reducing interconnection times, lower implementation costs, and ensure reliability and resiliency.
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Babu Chalamala
Sai Althurthi
Prerequisites:
None
Abstract:
Power electronics dominates the grid edge and plays a central role in connecting distributed energy resources, loads, and infrastructure to the broader power system. Grid-edge power-electronic systems continue to expand toward higher voltages and capacities, ranging from kilowatts to megawatts.
Although these applications share common wide-bandgap semiconductor devices and power-conversion technologies, their requirements can be significantly different. Grid-forming converters require scalability, controllability, stability, and grid integration.
The fast-charging systems require high efficiency with wide voltage-range operation. AI data center power systems prioritize extreme power density and efficiency, while solid-state transformers require high-voltage capability, high power density, scalability, and reliability.
These diverse requirements are supplied by different converter topologies, intermediate conversion stages, system architectures, control strategies, and protection approaches. Understanding how common power-electronic building blocks can be combined into application-specific architecture is therefore essential for engineers working on the future grid edge.
This tutorial aimed at the general engineering practitioner will provide a system-level introduction to the power-electronic technologies enabling modern grid-edge systems, progressing from semiconductor devices and converter building blocks to application-specific architectures and grid integration strategies. The tutorial will focus on the following topics:
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Instructor(s):
Dr. Kaveh Aflaki
Justyna Grinholc
Amy Tong
Jay Leyno
Andrea Brown
Chloe Applegate
Prerequisites:
None
Abstract:
This tutorial provides a dynamic look at PG&E’s wildfire-mitigation journey, exploring how the utility and broader industry have evolved wildfire planning through data-driven strategies, advanced analytics, and lessons learned from past events. Participants will gain insight into how utilities build and measure mitigation strategies, investigate ignition events, collect and analyze field and geospatial data, and apply case-study learnings to strengthen operational mitigations. The session highlights innovations in risk-based modeling, real-time monitoring, and sensor technologies that enhance system visibility and help quantify and evaluate wildfire risk.
Attendees will also examine factors that influence mitigation effectiveness and see how utilities integrate continuous monitoring, undergrounding, system hardening, and asset assessments into a risk-optimized Wildfire Mitigation Plan. By the end, participants will understand how California utilities, such as PG&E, are leveraging technology, modeling, and continuous improvement to better protect customers, communities, and energy infrastructure.
Tutorials can be added during the standard conference registration process. Select your sessions during checkout.
Space is limited — reserve early to secure your spot.
For questions about IEEE PES Grid Edge Tutorials or CEU processes, please contact:
LaToya Gourdine
